Gerard52

Don't drink to relax, you will lose the ability to relax naturally.

Don't drink on a problem, it will still be there and probably get worse or escalate.

Don't drink because you are sad, it will only make you wallow in self pity and sadness.

Don't drink to socialise it will become the only way you can. Then it will leave you and you will be drinking lonely and alone.

As AA says the only way is to deal with life on life terms. Accept their will be rough and smooth and face it.

Imagine having a well of happiness inside, being able to go through life relaxed, interested in things and with an optimistic attitude. Living is a gift never forget it.

Living sober is not going to be easy to start with, but I truly believe those who have done it longterm and say it is the best thing they ever did.

brighterday1234

Great post. Living sober is exponentially more rewarding than a life as a drunk and active alcoholic; that is no life worth living tbh in my experience.

Tonymblue

Well said.

lessgravity

Even just 4 months in and I have this. Life is full of anxiety and sadness and I'm still the guy who makes mistakes, procrastinates and struggles. But as you perfectly put it, I have that well, more of peace than happiness, to tap into. It's a real gift we can give ourselves. Crazy thing I've come to learn is that it's been there for the taking all along.

NerfThis

This is the big one for me. I was so used to drinking at every social event, that I thought I'd never be able to go to them without drinking. This year I've discovered I can easily socialize without alcohol and each occasion gets better and better.